Stardate Captains BLOG 6 - October 2026
Some of us remember Super Shops Performance Centers from the 80’s. I actually had an orange 1971 Roadrunner, 4 speed 383 in my teens that I found in Bakersfield Ca in the 80’s. 43,000 miles, sitting since 1976 with a metal sign reading “PUPPIES FOR SALE” spot-welded over the Air Grabber hole in the factory hood. Purchased it for $200.00 and a case of beer. Had it running in a weekend. I eventually crashed it into a center divider at 80 MPH and totaled it in my 20’s. The CHP Officer who responded was one of my 1990’s field training officers years later…. Again, you cannot make this stuff up.
I still remember visiting local legacy hot rod garages like J&S East Valley Garage and meeting Jay Roach; working in the 90’s at the same shop housing Bob Joehnck’s old school engine dyno and hearing the latest salt-flat big block, or period-correct Trans Am tribute engine run through the paces. Cylinder heads being carved out of blocks of aluminum and the levels of shop engineering required to build a 500+ inch stroker from a 440, 454, or 460 big block.
I was proud of myself for adapting 1970 Satellite disc brake spindles onto the front of my 1965 Satellite.
The automotive parts industry has changed dramatically since the 70-90’s and some of the current new vehicle concerns and complaints simply did not exist then. Sometimes it seems as though elements of the automotive industry and arguably in cooperation of the government, are bent on outlawing older vehicles and your right to fix them, or have a local shop fix things for you. Widely publicized cases of the EPA prosecuting automotive shops and the word “mandates” is still in circulation. Have you actually reviewed the new “tire legislation” coming from California?
It also seemed that planned obsolescence; objectively garbage quality parts; unavailability and ridiculous pricing was conspiring to do away with the art and process of working on your car or truck. I do see constructive push back in the last several years.
My oldest son is a car guy and would have spent his days with slicked back hair, cigarette behind the ear wearing a white shirt working on his hot rod in the 1950/60’s.
This new generation of mechanics and I would also include some old guys like me who have adapted (or at least try) - are still doing to some extent - what those guys building t-buckets powered by flathead V8’s in the 50/60’s were. The attached photo’s depict one of my fathers circle track cars and if you look close, you will see 1-ton floating truck hubs on a 60’s 427 Fairlane…….
Computer work; remote tuning; navigating OBD1 & 2: 3D printers; complete body and frame purchase options and a growing aftermarket industry fueled of coarse by demand, but also the same response to, “You can’t do that. It won’t work.” that has always fueled the car and truck enthusiasts.
The cost $$$ of existing today is another discussion and especially as a car /truck guy, however I appreciate every honest attempt at legitimate aftermarket products. Some of the “cheap garbage” too. I have spent $2,000.00 on a rear Bronco bumper from Complete Performance and $5.00 on an LED from China that outshines my original door lamp and still works great. A few moments to express my appreciation for all but not limited to JRC Customs (Hayden ID); LMR; LMC Trucks; Complete Performance; Ford parts department; Amazon; Rough Country; Desolate Motor Sports; O’Reilly, Auto Zone and Motion Auto; Broken Bronco Garage; Bronco Grave Yard; You Tuber’s; Aspen Sounds (CDA); Super Sounds Exhaust (Athol); Les Schwab; Home Depot; Costco; Harbor Freight; Bubba Ropes; Auto Body Supply (Scott); Cole’s, Garwood and Pegasus Auto Salvage; all of the others not listed as well as the “good ones” within the industry and enthusiasts side of things.
Respectfully Submitted
Todd
Before………
Note: 1 Ton-hubs and there was a long list of “one off” parts on this 60’s 427 Fairlane that my father and his crew built. It was out of necessity.
After
This one nearly killed my motor-head of a father……..